asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that senior Garda personnel and retired personnel, are retained as consultants by certain security organisations; and if he approves of the growing links between the Garda Síochána and private security companies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Security Organisations' Personnel.
9.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are not aware that any serving senior Garda personnel are retained as consultants by commercial security firms. Retired members of the force are completely free and within their rights to do so.
I am informed that a disciplinary investigation is being carried out under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 1971 into an allegation that a Garda sergeant was involved in the operation of a particular security firm.
I do not know what the Deputy means by growing links between the Garda Síochána and private security companies but I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of those companies actively co-operate with the gardai in various ways and that the authorities regard it as beneficial and in the public interest that this co-operation should be accepted.
Would the Minister approve of Garda officers being retained as consultants by private security firms?
I would not approve.